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Tool maker vs tool setter apprentice

The differences between tool makers and tool setters apprentice can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a tool maker and a tool setter apprentice. Additionally, a tool maker has an average salary of $52,443, which is higher than the $42,732 average annual salary of a tool setter apprentice.

The top three skills for a tool maker include grinders, jigs and hand tools. The most important skills for a tool setter apprentice are CNC, calipers, and grinders.

Tool maker vs tool setter apprentice overview

Tool MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Yearly salary$52,443$42,732
Hourly rate$25.21$20.54
Growth rate1%1%
Number of jobs18,16615,585
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age5454
Years of experience66

Tool maker vs tool setter apprentice salary

Tool makers and tool setters apprentice have different pay scales, as shown below.

Tool MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Average salary$52,443$42,732
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $68,000Between $31,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySterling Heights, MI-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyGeneral Electric-
Best paying industryAutomotive-

Differences between tool maker and tool setter apprentice education

There are a few differences between a tool maker and a tool setter apprentice in terms of educational background:

Tool MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 37%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorPrecision Metal WorkingBusiness
Most common college--

Tool maker vs tool setter apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between tool makers' and tool setters apprentice' demographics:

Tool MakerTool Setter Apprentice
Average age5454
Gender ratioMale, 97.3% Female, 2.7%Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 2.4% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Asian, 2.7% White, 84.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage3%3%

Differences between tool maker and tool setter apprentice duties and responsibilities

Tool maker example responsibilities.

  • Programme setup and run cnc lathe).
  • Weld parts to customer prints with both MIG and TIG welders.
  • Used cad to machine parts to spec, construct assemblies, and fixtures.
  • Train and assist others with the use of the CAD/CAM software (Surfcam).
  • Lift, position, and secure machine parts on surface plates or worktables using hoists.
  • Design and build press brake tooling, robotic weld fixtures, weld and inspection fixtures.
  • Show more

Tool setter apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Cut metal, write programs to be able to use a CNC.
  • Learned to operate lathes, mills, and grinders.
  • Inspect all parts using calipers, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Run the program on the CNC, run an injection mold to make a rubber cast over cables.
  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.
  • Perform all machining operations necessary to build production machinery and tooling to manufacture a wide selection of aerospace fasteners.

Tool maker vs tool setter apprentice skills

Common tool maker skills
  • Grinders, 12%
  • Jigs, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%
  • Calipers, 5%
  • CNC Machines, 5%
Common tool setter apprentice skills
  • CNC, 42%
  • Calipers, 24%
  • Grinders, 11%
  • Die Repair, 9%
  • Injection Molds, 8%
  • Machine Tools, 7%

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